Sitting in Southern California, San Diego offers murals, mosaics, sculptures, concerts and festivals and has become another jewel in the crown of the Golden State.

By Dan Taylor |
Jul 28, 2017

Sitting in Southern California, San Diego offers murals, mosaics, sculptures, concerts and festivals and has become another jewel in the crown of the Golden State. Here, we've compiled a listing of the "must see" parks in the area that you will want to visit if you live in the area or are planning a trip.

10. Chicano Park

Established in 1970 when Chicano activists protested urban construction in their neighborhoods, this park was recently named a National Historic Monument. The park is the largest collection of outdoor murals in the United States and represents the colorful culture and history of San Diego.

9. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

The collections here are cutting edge and are designed to change visitor perception of sound and sight with videos and music, and you will be immersed in special effects.

8. Murals of La Jolla

La Jolla is an elite neighborhood on the coast with crazy gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, and its residents like harbor seals and sea lions. Both local and international artists created colorful murals adding a creative flair to the scenic area.

7. North Park

North Park is considered a picturesque neighborhood, filled with paintings, galleries and quaint, creative shops. On the second Saturday of each month, be sure to attend the evening art walk when the galleries remain open later than usual for Ray at Night. The area offers live music and an assortment of food trucks.

6. The Stuart Collection

On the University of California campus 1,200 acres above the Pacific Ocean, the Stuart Collection is a public display of modern artworks, and you can partake in a walking tour which includes a 14-foot bird statue atop a concrete arch, known as the Sun God.

5. Barrio Logan

At the city's southern tip, the coolest and most progressive artists gather to collaborate. Glashaus and La Bodega galleries show off their newest creations, and you can enjoy a great Mexican meal before or after you see the most current works of art.

4. Old Town San Diego

The smells of Latin food and the sound of mariachi bands will welcome you to this culturally hot area. You can find several sites with living history demonstrations, or you can explore the Old Town area.

3. Waterfront Park

Take your kids to play on jungle gyms and in fountains while you relax and soak in the beautiful San Diego Bay. This location is home to Niki de Saint's three mosaic sculptures that were just unveiled in 2015.

2. Museum of Man

This is one of 17 museums that are part of Balboa Park. This one traces the existence of man from evolution to today's challenges in society.

1. San Diego Trolley Dances

This takes live performance to a new high, taking it on the trolley for a fully immersive "on the road" experience. The trolley runs from Barrio Logan to Fault Line Park, and you can enjoy comedic and great energetic performances along the way.

Comments

Read on for more of Travelerseek's advice, and tell us what indispensable lessons you've learned on the road in the comments below — or on Twitter with hashtag @travelerseek